Novak Djokovic declined a post-match on-court Australian Open interview after his Round of 16 win over Jiri Lehecka. He issued a quick greeting to the fans before leaving the court.
We later learned that Djokovic was boycotting Australian Channel 9, the network conducting the interview, because Tony Jones, one of the channel’s reporters, spoke disparaging words to and about Serbian fans and Djokovic. Neither Jones nor Channel 9 has issued an apology.
A few words about what happened on court. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
Jones has since said it was just banter. Channel 9 is the host broadcaster of the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic says he will no longer do court interviews at the Australian Open until Channel Nine apologise for this video.pic.twitter.com/tZimXQKRiJ
— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) January 19, 2025
Djokovic will not do a Channel 9 interview until he receives an apology. He also told Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley, “If you guys want to fine me, I’ll accept that ’cause I feel this is something that needs to be done.’ That’s all there is to it.”
Who Spoke Out In Support Of Novak Djokovic?
Darren Cahill and Nick Kyrgios
Australian tennis VIPs Darren Cahill and Nick Kyrgios sided with Djokovic and said Jones was out of line.
Cahill thought Jones’ comments were inappropriate. He referenced the Australians’ treatment of Djokovic dating back to COVID as the amount of disrespect he has received as the 10-time champion.
Darren Cahill on Tony Jones comments “It was inappropriate. I don’t blame Novak for taking offence” pic.twitter.com/K0lYTTXPHH
— asud (@asud683385) January 19, 2025
Kyrgios called Jones a “clown.”
Piers Morgan
British journalist Piers Morgan also backed Djokovic’s decision. He called Jones “an absolute tool.”
Sports Media Oversteps Again
This is the latest example of sports media overstepping and making things inappropriate and personal. On any given day, sports analysts can spout off any information they choose about a player, coach, or team on the internet, radio, or television. The analysis goes beyond the sport, game, or match. It is unfair and needs to be stopped. These journalists should not have such latitude. Kudos to Djokovic for taking Jones to task for being involved in this practice.
Hopefully, the focus returns to tennis because Djokovic has a blockbuster quarterfinal coming up against Carlos Alcaraz.
